📐 Countertop Square Footage Calculator
Countertop Sections
How to Use the Countertop Square Footage Calculator
Our countertop square footage calculator helps homeowners, contractors, and designers get accurate material estimates for kitchen or bathroom projects. Based on industry practices from American Quartz Granite, it accounts for multiple sections, backsplashes, overhangs, and waste — giving you a reliable number for quotes.
Why Accurate Square Footage Matters
Countertop materials like granite, quartz, and marble are priced per square foot. Even small measurement errors can lead to ordering too much (wasting money) or too little (delaying installation). This tool ensures you include all areas: main counter, islands, breakfast bars, and backsplashes.
How to Measure Correctly
- Break the layout into rectangles — each section is a separate “section” in the calculator.
- Measure length and width in inches (most countertops are sold by the square foot, but measurements are often in inches).
- Include overhangs — standard is 1.5″ in front, but you can adjust. Our calculator adds it to the length.
- Don’t forget backsplash — typically 4″ high, running along the wall. We add it as extra area.
- Add a waste factor — 10% is common for cuts, seams, and mistakes.
The formula for each rectangular section is: (Length in inches × Width in inches) ÷ 144 = Square feet. The calculator sums all sections, then applies options and waste.
🧾 Example from reference: A kitchen with two sections: main run 60″ x 26″ (10.83 sq ft) and island 36″ x 26″ (6.5 sq ft). With backsplash (4″ high along 60″ = 1.67 sq ft) and 1.5″ overhang added to length, total ≈ 20.2 sq ft. Adding 10% waste gives ~22.2 sq ft to order.
Key Factors in Countertop Pricing
- Material grade — premium vs. standard granite or quartz.
- Edge profile — custom edges (ogee, bullnose) add cost.
- Cutouts — sinks and cooktops are usually included in the total area (not subtracted).
- Installation distance — travel fees beyond 50 miles (as noted in reference).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard countertop depth?
Base cabinets are typically 24″ deep, with a 1.5″ overhang, making the countertop depth about 25.5″. Our calculator lets you enter your exact width.
Do I measure backsplash separately?
Yes — backsplash area should be included. Check the “Include backsplash” box, and we add an extra 4″ height along the total length of all sections (a simplified but practical method). For complex layouts, you can also create a separate section for backsplash.
Should I subtract sink or cooktop cutouts?
No — in countertop quoting, cutouts are generally not subtracted because the material around them is still part of the slab. The waste factor covers unusable pieces.
What if my countertop has curved or angled sections?
For complex shapes, approximate them as rectangles (overestimating slightly) or break into smaller rectangles. Our multiple-section tool helps you piece together any layout.
Bookmark this countertop square footage calculator for your remodeling project. At SmartUnitCalculator.com, we’re building tools that make home improvement math simple.